U.S. Grants $30M to Gaza Aid Group Amid Safety, Transparency Concerns

The U.S. government has approved a $30 million grant to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private aid organization operating in war-ravaged Gaza, despite internal concerns over its oversight, methods, and proximity to violence at distribution sites. This marks the first direct financial support from Washington to GHF, which has previously received only diplomatic backing.

According to a document reviewed by Reuters, the funding was authorized by USAID under a White House and State Department directive, with an initial $7 million disbursed. Additional monthly grants of $30 million could follow, sources said. Notably, the State Department waived standard financial audits and anti-extremism vetting typically required for new USAID grantees, citing urgency.

GHF partners with Safe Reach Solutions, a logistics company run by a former CIA officer, and UG Solutions, a private security firm staffed by U.S. military veterans. Critics within the U.S. government are concerned about GHF’s inexperience, lack of transparency, and use of armed contractors in conflict zones.

Since Israel ended its aid blockade on May 19, over 400 Palestinians have died near distribution areas, according to the U.N., which blames both Israeli military action and armed gangs. GHF denies responsibility, stating its 40 million delivered meals have reached recipients securely without looting incidents. The organization has called on the U.N. to cooperate rather than criticize.

Israel’s request for $500 million in U.S. funding for GHF remains pending. The controversy underscores the complex and dangerous landscape of humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza, where geopolitical tensions, military operations, and civilian desperation collide. While the U.S. aims to address urgent needs, questions remain about the long-term strategy and accountability of this high-risk humanitarian approach.